GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I'm a bit of a computer geek and I've actually built my own computers and even built a few electronic devices and controls when I was younger but I don't know much about the area when it comes to modern cars. Does anyone here hook a laptop to your car? Is there software that lets you monitor performance information about the vehicle? Where would someone start if they were interested in this? Has anyone here programmed chips for cars?

first, you'd need the proper cable to connect to the OBDII connector. not sure if they make one, but tactrix makes some nice cables. then you need the software to make sense of it all. do a google search on tactrix and open ecu and you might find something for the Vibe/trix. We use a lot of this software for our Subes, but not sure if they have the Toyota/Pontiac systems in there too.

Thanks, that's the kind of info I was looking for. I've got a good place to start. It looks like Tactrix only makes connectors for Mitsubishi, Subaru and Volvo. Anyone have any other brands to suggest?

theres some cheap odb2 to usb or serial cables...and then there are also opensource apps on the pc side but...I dont remember what they are....

What I'm finding are a lot of ECU "scanners" that can return codes and reset codes. The websites are not exactly clear if these connectors can be used with other software to do more. So, I thought I'd post here and ask what some people here might actually be using.

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »theres some cheap odb2 to usb or serial cables...and then there are also opensource apps on the pc side but...I dont remember what they are....What I'm finding are a lot of ECU "scanners" that can return codes and reset codes. The websites are not exactly clear if these connectors can be used with other software to do more. So, I thought I'd post here and ask what some people here might actually be using. I'd like to be able to analyze different performance variables or maybe see if it's possible to analyze my driving habits based on information that the car tracks.

Scangauge might be a place to start.. a few guys here use'em.. Beyond that, I donno..

you can buy a thing call a elm cable, they are all over ebay and you can use free software that is suppose to show live data. I have never used it but I have been thinking about it.

Check out these sites, I think they may have the info you are looking for:http://www.thinkythings.org/obdii/http: ... -t....html

Quote, originally posted by burgmovibe »you can buy a thing call a elm cable, they are all over ebay and you can use free software that is suppose to show live data. I have never used it but I have been thinking about it.Thanks. I'm guessing the Vibe uses ISO 9141 standard protocol since the engine is asian? or does it use GM's J1850 VPW ?

How does this gizmo look? http://www.diydiagnostics.com/USB327_specs.htm